The Dugdale Millions — page 228: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

*y, 218 THE DUGDALE MILLIONS. Mrs. Stanton had told this with a great deal of heat and excitement. For the first time since she had entertained the idea of her husband’s unfaithfulness, she had found someone who apparently believed her story. Havingsubmitted her facts, Mrs. Stanton pro- ceeded to an argument sustaining her belief. And while she talked Bob was thinking deeply. Learning that this box was still in her possession, and had not been seen by either Dick or Mr. Stanton, he grew more composed and could think more calmly. He appreciated the danger to its fullest extent. Should this box reveal the facts—the truth—not only would the enterprise they had engaged upon fail, but the four of them would be liable to arrest and prosecution. The situation was critical and called for prompt action. But what action? He had neither time nor opportunity to consult. What was to be done must be done at once. With more vigorous mental action than any of his associates would have credited him with, he formulated his plan and proceeded to carry it out. “You are evidently entirely right,” he said. ‘The proof against your husband is strong, and the con- tents of that box undoubtedly complete it over- whelmingly. You must see that neither Mr. Stanton, Mr. Mason, nor Mr. Hetlow, are permitted to see the contents of that box, or they will seize the papers and make away with them, when you will have lost your op- portunity to confound your husband. Of course you know my position. I think, myself, that they are not disposed to yield me my right in this matter of the succession to the Dugdale estates. Your husband, only this evening, intimated to me that my proofs were not strong legally. You and I are involved in the one thing by being made the victims of a con- spiracy. “That is what I said at once,’ Stanton, interrupted Mrs, Comicboolkk<s C@ 3}